Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams is the youngest player in college football — and already, he might be one of the best.
Just how unique is Williams as a high-level competitor at his age, and how many CFB stars join him among the true freshman ranks?
Ryan Williams Stands Out as One of CFB’s Youngest, Best Players
Sometimes, CFB players just have the gift. We see this every so often with true freshman phenoms that emerge onto the stage. Alabama’s Ryan Williams is just the latest example.
In Week 1 against Western Kentucky, Williams started his first CFB game as a 17-year-old true freshman. He proceeded to catch two passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns in his CFB debut.
The following week, Williams hauled in four passes for 68 yards and a score against USF. And now, in Week 3, he’s already racked up four receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown in one half against the Wisconsin Badgers.
On one hand, this kind of early production is no surprise from a consensus five-star, top-10 national WR recruit who was compared favorably to past Alabama great and current NFL star DeVonta Smith. On the other hand, it’s nevertheless jaw-dropping to see young players produce like this.
Williams played high school football at Saraland High School in Saraland, Ala. There, he made a name for himself as a dominant producer, amassing over 4,600 yards from scrimmage and 65 total TDs through his final two seasons.
Renowned for his speed, separation ability, and tracking skills, Williams has translated seamlessly to the CFB game, and he won’t even turn 18 years old until the CFB season is concluded.
Williams turns 18 on Feb. 9, and he’s terrorizing defenders aged 21, 22, 23, and older. He’s already etching his name at the end of a long line of Alabama WRs who assured greatness at the CFB level before making the leap to the pros.
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Youngest CFB Stars as of the 2024 Season
- Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State – 18 years old
- TJ Moore, WR, Clemson – 18 years old
- Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas – 18 years old
- Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas – 18 years old
- Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska – 19 years old
- DJ Lagway, QB, Florida – 19 years old
- Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina – 19 years old